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The Internet of Things (IoT) permeates various sectors, including healthcare, smart cities, and agriculture, alongside critical infrastructure management. However, its susceptibility to malware due to limited processing power and security protocols poses significant challenges. Traditional antimalware solutions fall short in combating evolving threats. To address this, the research work developed a feature selection-based classification model. At first stage, a preprocessing stage enhances dataset quality through data smoothing and consistency improvement. Feature selection via the Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA) reduces dimensionality, while a classification phase integrates the Graph Attention Network (GAN), specifically the Dual-channel GAN (DGAN). DGAN incorporates Node Attention Networks and Semantic Attention Networks to capture intricate IoT device interactions and detect anomalous behaviors like botnet activity. The model's accuracy is further boosted by leveraging both structural and semantic data with the Sooty Tern Optimization Algorithm (STOA) for hyperparameter tuning. The proposed STOA-DGAN model achieves an impressive 99.87% accuracy in botnet activity classification, showcasing robustness and reliability compared to existing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcal mastitis is a major cause of concern to the dairy industry in India and several countries worldwide. Though Staphylococcus aureus is the major cause, coagulase negative staphylococcal species (CoNS) are being increasingly reported in recent years. Aims: To investigate the incidence of coagulase negative staphylococcal species in bovine mastitis. Methods: Isolation of staphylococci was carried out from 237 milk samples of cows and She buffaloes with clinical and subclinical mastitis from different regions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. CoNS isolates were identified by tube coagulase test using fresh rabbit plasma and coagulase gene PCR. We employed the biochemical test scheme published elsewhere previously for identification of the CoNS isolates up to species and subspecies levels. Seven representative isolates were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing to check the accuracy of biochemical test based identification. Results: The CoNS constitute the majority of the staphylococcal isolates from mastitis (80/125, 64%) in this region. Using biochemical test scheme, the CoNS isolates from bovine mastitis were identified as S. cohnii sub sp. cohnii, S. simulans, S. capitis sub sp. capitis, S. cohnii sub sp. xylosus, and S. lugdunensis. The CoNS species S. schleiferi, S. haemolyticus, S. sciuri, S. xylosus, S. chromogenes, and Macrococcus epidermidis were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. Conclusion: The 16S rDNA sequencing is the appropriate method for the identification of CoNS species. This study highlighted coagulase negative staphylococcal species as possible etiological agents of mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Advanced cancer patients often require clinic or hospital follow-up for their symptom control to maintain their quality of life. But it becomes difficult for the patients to attend the same due to financial, commutation, and logistic issues. Objective The aim of this study was to audit the telephonic calls of the service and prospectively collected data to understand the quality of service provided to the patients at follow-up. Materials and Methods An ambispective observational study was conducted on the advanced stage cancer patients referred to the palliative care department at Kolhapur Cancer Center, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. We conducted an audit of the 523 telephonic calls of our service—"PALLCARE Seva" from June 2020 to February 2021. Prospectively, we assessed the quality of service based on 125 telephonic calls (n = 125) for this; we designed a questionnaire consisting of 11 items on the 5-point Likert scale for satisfaction by the patients or their caregivers at the follow-up. After a pilot study, the final format of questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results Of the 523 calls attended, we provided 30.11% patients with dosage change of medications for their symptom management, 16.25% patients have liaised with local general practitioners, and 14.34% of cases had to be referred for emergency management to our hospitals. We provided 23.9% of them with emotional and bereavement support and 6.21% with smartphone-based or video-assisted guidance to the patients and caregivers. Conclusions Liaison of general practitioners was possible in more than one-tenth of cases. The core components of our service were politeness and caring attitude, helpfulness, handling doubts regarding the illness, and an opportunity to share thoughts from the patients or caregivers. More than three-fourth of the callers have rated their experience as satisfactory and would recommend this service to other patients in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megestrol acetate is one of the pharmacological agents used for cancer-associated fatigue. To date, there are no studies on its use in the treatment of post-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) fatigue. So, we report a case of metastatic carcinoma lung with a partial response with three cycles of palliative chemotherapy. He was contracted with mild COVID-19 infection post three cycles of his chemotherapy. Post this episode, fatigue was his main and most troublesome symptom. After a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and investigations, type 2 post-COVID-19 syndrome was diagnosed. After explaining the risks and benefits, we started the patient on low-dose megestrol acetate (160 mg/d per oral) with low to moderate benefits. However, upon increasing the dose to 480 mg/d, the benefit on the subjective quality of life was significant. Studies with a larger sample and randomized controlled trials have to be conducted to substantiate the hypothesis and actual effect of megestrol acetate in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Array antennas play an important role in different communication systems. In the synthesis of array antennas, different important parameters like pattern shape, side lobe level reduction, placement of nulls, and beam width are to be considered. Array antenna synthesis is done on different types of antennas to generate different shaped beams for practical applications. Optimization methods like the Quasi Newton method (QNM), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Firefly optimization (FF) are used in determining different shaped patterns. In array synthesis as the number of elements increases the pattern converges to that of the desired pattern with the square of the difference approaching zero. QNM reduces the error function in very less number of iterations for the generation of stair step and Ramp shape patterns, when compared with PSO and Firefly algorithms in all array configurations. When the number of elements in the linear array is 80, 100, 200 Firefly has better performance than the PSO algorithm. The height of ripples reduced as the number of elements increases for both Ramp pattern and stair step pattern. Convergence plots for all array configurations are plotted and error values for each iteration for all elements are measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop an innovative machine learning (ML) model that predicts personalized risk of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) after chemotherapy for reproductive-aged women. Currently, individualized prediction of a patient's risk of POI is challenging. Methods: Authors of published studies examining POI after gonadotoxic therapy were contacted, and six authors shared their de-identified data (N = 435). A composite outcome for POI was determined for each patient and validated by 3 authors. The primary dataset was partitioned into training and test sets; random forest binary classifiers were trained, and mean prediction scores were computed. Institutional data collected from a cross-sectional survey of cancer survivors (N = 117) was used as another independent validation set. Results: Our model predicted individualized risk of POI with an accuracy of 88% (area under the ROC 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77–0.96; p < 0.001). Mean prediction scores for patients who developed POI and who did not were 0.60 and 0.38 (t-test p < 0.001), respectively. Highly weighted variables included age, chemotherapy dose, prior treatment, smoking, and baseline diminished ovarian reserve. Conclusion: We developed an ML-based model to estimate personalized risk of POI after chemotherapy. Our web-based calculator will be a user-friendly decision aid for individualizing risk prediction in oncofertility consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, we have developed a new semiconductive Polymeric Transparent Matrix (PTM) as a substitute to the glass substrate used in a conventional optoelectronic device. Initially, we have synthesized Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and series of its copolymers with Styrene in different weight percent (wt.%) ratio via solution polymerization process. The obtained polymers were characterized using various techniques to understand the effect of introducing different proportions of Styrene comonomers on PMMA backbone. The optimum composition of PTM was chosen based on copolymer's mechanical properties, optical transparency, and ultraviolet (UV) shielding properties. Then, a series of nanocomposites consisting of optimized PTM and various wt.% of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) as a conductive filler were fabricated to increase the conductivity of PTM. A steep increase (̴109 fold) in bulk electrical conductivity was observed in case of 0.25 wt% MWCNT loaded optimized composite matrix, along with the retention of a good amount of optical transparency (88% at 550 nm) and 100% UV-C shielding. This optimized nanocomposite has also shown amelioration in mechanical properties as a result of uniform dispersion of MWCNT. These remarkable attributes favor the use of this optimized semiconducting PTM as a potential transparent substrate for next-generation organic optoelectronic devices. Image 1 • A tough, transparent, semi-conductive, light-weight polymer glass matrix has been developed for optoelectronic applications. • A series of copolymers of MMA & Sty were synthesized to study the effect of the introduction of Sty on different properties. • Based on mechanical and optical properties, P(MMA 70 - co -Sty 30) found to be the best substrate for the optoelectronic device. • Different proportions of MWCNT were added to the optimised polymer substrate as conducting filler to reduce bulk resistivity. • The optimized semiconducting matrix shows better optical property in some regions compared to the conventional glass matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A SYBR Green real time PCR assay amplifying F57 gene of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) was developed to evaluate the protective efficacy of the inactivated vaccine to prevent the colonization of MAP in the tissues of BALB/c mice challenge model. Bacterial burden in the liver, spleen and intestine of vaccinated and sham immunized control mice, after intra peritoneal challenge with MAP were quantified by real time PCR assay. A 195 bp fragment of MAP F57 sequence was cloned into TA cloning vector and the resultant recombinant plasmid was used to generate a series of quantification standards with copy number ranging from 109 to 1 copy. This absolute quantification technique is rapid and able to detect as few as 10 MAP organisms per gram of tissue and the assay has the efficiency of 0.982. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Flow boiling in long vertical tubes in evaporators or boilers is governed by hydrodynamics and boiling heat transfer processes. Precise modeling of these flow boiling processes is necessary to design evaporator/boiler in nuclear/thermal power plants and to avoid complexities such as flow instabilities, critical heat flux etc. The present study involves development of the new methodology to model the full range flow boiling phenomenon which covers all flow boiling regimes in long vertical tubes at high pressure. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been performed on tubes of lengths 7 m, 13.4 m and 23 m at a pressure range of 86–172 bar. The entire tube has been divided into four sections based on the value of the vapor fraction at the end of the section and different modeling strategies are applied to each section. Eulerian-Eulerian two fluid model along with appropriate wall boiling models and phase interaction models are used to model the different sections. It has been found that the developed methodology shows more accuracy in predicting the pressure drop in the boiler tube (1–9% error) than single section approach. For 23 m long tube full range flow boiling simulations, a reduction in two phase flow boiling heat transfer coefficient is observed due to the presence of instability at 20% design heat duty. Axial distribution profiles of vapor fraction, heat flux, heat transfer coefficient, water/steam temperature have been plotted to get insights of flow boiling phenomenon occurring in a 23 m long evaporator tube. CFD approach shows advancement over one dimensional (1-D) approach in the prediction of thermal hydraulic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pregnancy outcomes in patients having their first frozen embryo transfer (FET) after a freeze-all cycle versus similar patients having their first fresh embryo transfer (ET).Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: None.Patient(s): Registry data on 82,935 patient cycles from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).Intervention(s): All first fresh autologous IVF cycles were analyzed and compared to first FET cycles after a freeze-all first IVF stimulation. The cycles were subdivided into cohorts based upon the number of oocytes retrieved (OR): 1-5 (low), 6-14 (intermediate), and 15+ (high responders). Univariate analyses were performed on cycle characteristics, and multivariable regression analyses were performed on outcome data.Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live-birth rate (LBR).Results: Of the 82,935 cycles analyzed, 69,102 patients had their first fresh transfer, and 13,833 had a first FET. High responders were found to have a higher CPR and LBR in the FET cycles compared with the fresh ET cycles (61.5 vs. 57.4%; 52.0 vs. 48.9%). In intermediate responders, both CPR and LBR were higher after fresh ET compared with FET (49.6% vs. 44.2%; 41.2 vs. 35.3%). Similarly, in low responders, CPR and LBR were higher after fresh compared with FET (33.2% vs. 15.9%; 25.9% vs. 11.5%).Conclusion(s): A freeze-all strategy is beneficial in high responders but not in intermediate or low responders, thus refuting the idea that freeze-all cycles are preferable for all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, Eulerian two fluid model is used for prediction of high pressure subcooled nucleate flow boiling in vertical tubes. Predictions of different turbulence models, phase interaction models have been compared with previous experimental data. Axial and radial profiles of vapor fraction and liquid temperature have been used for comparison of these models. Bubble departure diameter models and bubble induced turbulence models show the significant effect on the vapor fraction prediction. It was found that use of Kocamustafaogullari and Ishii models for bubble departure diameter and nucleation site density are suitable for predicting vapor distribution and liquid temperature for high pressure boiling. Models of interfacial heat transfer and bubble departure frequency developed for low pressure or atmospheric conditions showed a good applicability for high pressure conditions also. Inclusion of wall lubrication force showed the void fraction peak near the wall. Simulated pressure drop predictions for high pressure flow boiling in a 13 m long vertical tube shows the error of 2–10% with experimental data. This indicates that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is the promising technique for pressure drop prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DNA methylation is an important tissue-specific epigenetic event that influences transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Differentially methylated CpG sites may act as mediators between genetic variation and gene expression, and this relationship can be exploited while mapping multi-tissue expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). Current multi-tissue eQTL mapping techniques are limited to only exploiting gene expression patterns across multiple tissues either in a joint tissue or tissue-by-tissue frameworks. We present a new statistical approach that enables us to model the effect of germ-line variation on tissue-specific gene expression in the presence of effects due to DNA methylation. Results: Our method efficiently models genetic and epigenetic variation to identify genomic regions of interest containing combinations of mRNA transcripts, CpG sites, and SNPs by jointly testing for genotypic effect and higher order interaction effects between genotype, methylation and tissues. We demonstrate using Monte Carlo simulations that our approach, in the presence of both genetic and DNA methylation effects, gives an improved performance (in terms of statistical power) to detect eQTLs over the current eQTL mapping approaches. When applied to an array-based dataset from 150 neuropathologically normal adult human brains, our method identifies eQTLs that were undetected using standard tissue-by-tissue or joint tissue eQTL mapping techniques. As an example, our method identifies eQTLs by leveraging methylated CpG sites in a LIM homeobox member gene (LHX9), which may have a role in the neural development. Conclusions: Our score test-based approach does not need parameter estimation under the alternative hypothesis. As a result, our model parameters are estimated only once for each mRNA - CpG pair. Our model specifically studies the effects of non-coding regions of DNA (in this case, CpG sites) on mapping eQTLs. However, we can easily model micro-RNAs instead of CpG sites to study the effects of post-transcriptional events in mapping eQTL. Our model's flexible framework also allows us to investigate other genomic events such as alternative gene splicing by extending our model to include gene isoform-specific data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of 2 ichthyophiid caecilians, Ichthyophis khumzhi Kamei, Wilkinson, Gower & Biju, 2009 and Ichthyophis moustakius Kamei, Wilkinson, Gower & Biju, 2009 in the state of Mizoram in northeast India is reported for the first time. These records significantly increase the known distribution range of these striped forms of Ichthyophis which were previously known only from their type localities in the state of Manipur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genes responsible for the light production in bioluminescent bacteria are present as an operon, luxCDABEG. Many strains of Photobacteria carry an additional gene, termed luxF. X-ray crystallographic analysis of LuxF revealed the presence of four molecules of a flavin derivative, i.e. 6-(3′-( R)-myristyl) flavin adenine mononucleotide (myrFMN) non-covalently bound to the homodimer. In the present study, we exploited the binding of myrFMN to recombinant apo-LuxF to explore the occurrence of myrFMN in various bioluminescent bacteria. MyrFMN was detected in all bacterial strains tested including Vibrio and Aliivibrio indicating that it is more widely occurring in bioluminescent bacteria than previously assumed. We also show that apo-LuxF captures myrFMN and thereby relieves the inhibitory effect on luciferase activity. Thus our results provide support for the hypothesis that LuxF acts as a scavenger of myrFMN in bioluminescent bacteria. However, the source of myrFMN remained obscure. To address this issue, we established a cofactor regeneration enzyme-catalyzed cascade reaction that supports luciferase activity in vitro for up to 3 days. This approach enabled us to unambiguously demonstrate that myrFMN is generated in the bacterial bioluminescent reaction. Based on this finding we postulate a reaction mechanism for myrFMN generation that is based on the luciferase reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to better understand complex diseases, it is important to understand how genetic variation in the regulatory regions affects gene expression. Genetic variants found in these regulatory regions have been shown to activate transcription in a tissue-specific manner. Therefore, it is important to map the aforementioned expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) using a statistically disciplined approach that jointly models all the tissues and makes use of all the information available to maximize the power of eQTL mapping. In this context, we are proposing a score test-based approach where we model tissue-specificity as a random effect and investigate an overall shift in the gene expression combined with tissue-specific effects due to genetic variants. Results: Our approach has 1) a distinct computational edge, and 2) comparable performance in terms of statistical power over other currently existing joint modeling approaches such as MetaTissue eQTL and eQTL-BMA. Using simulations, we show that our method increases the power to detect eQTLs when compared to a tissue-by-tissue approach and can exceed the performance, in terms of computational speed, of MetaTissue eQTL and eQTL-BMA. We apply our method to two publicly available expression datasets from normal human brains, one comprised of four brain regions from 150 neuropathologically normal samples and another comprised of ten brain regions from 134 neuropathologically normal samples, and show that by using our method and jointly analyzing multiple brain regions, we identify eQTLs within more genes when compared to three often used existing methods. Conclusions: Since we employ a score test-based approach, there is no need for parameter estimation under the alternative hypothesis. As a result, model parameters only have to be estimated once per genome, significantly decreasing computation time. Our method also accommodates the analysis of next- generation sequencing data. As an example, by modeling gene transcripts in an analogous fashion to tissues in our current formulation one would be able to test for both a variant overall effect across all isoforms of a gene as well as transcript-specific effects. We implement our approach within the R package JAGUAR, which is now available at the Comprehensive R Archive Network repository. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS), Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh during kharif 2014. The experimental material consisted of 11 Groundnut genotypes along with one check (IND-156). The genotypes were sown at Field Experimentation Centre in three replications adopting randomized block design to evaluate seed yield and quality traits. Analysis of variance revealed that the presence of considerable variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied. On the basis of mean performance, genotype ICG 14127 revealed better performance in primary branches/ plant, pods per plant, pod yield/plant, seed yield/plant and ICG 14482 showed better performance in kernel yield q/ha, oil content, oil yield while ICG 188 showed higher protein content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lux -operon of bioluminescent bacteria contains the genes coding for the enzymes required for light emission. Some species of Photobacteria feature an additional gene, luxF , which shows similarity to luxA and luxB , the genes encoding the heterodimeric luciferase. Isolated dimeric LuxF binds four molecules of an unusually derivatized flavin, i.e., 6-(3′-( R )-myristyl)-FMN (myrFMN). In the present study we have heterologously expressed LuxF in Escherichia coli BL21 in order to advance our understanding of the protein's binding properties and its role in photobacterial bioluminescence. Structure determination by X-ray crystallography confirmed that apo-LuxF possesses four preorganized binding sites, which are further optimized by adjusting the orientation of amino acid side chains. To investigate the binding properties of recombinant LuxF we have isolated myrFMN from Photobacterium leiognathi S1. We found that LuxF binds myrFMN tightly with a dissociation constant of 80 ± 20 nM demonstrating that the purified apo-form of LuxF is fully competent in myrFMN binding. In contrast to LuxF, binding of myrFMN to luciferase is much weaker ( K d = 4.0 ± 0.4 μM) enabling LuxF to prevent inhibition of the enzyme by scavenging myrFMN. Moreover, we have used apo-LuxF to demonstrate that myrFMN occurs in all Photobacteria tested, irrespective of the presence of luxF indicating that LuxF is not required for myrFMN biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the impact of controlled ovarian stimulation on ectopic pregnancy (EP) rate as a function of the number of oocytes retrieved, using donor IVF cycles as a control.Design: Retrospective cohort study using a large national database.Setting: Not applicable.Patient(s): Data from 109,140 cycles from the 2008-2010 SART registry, including 91,504 autologous cycles and 17,636 donor cycles in patients with non-tubal infertility.Intervention(s): Varying amounts of oocytes retrieved in autologous and donor IVF.Main Outcome Measure(s): Ectopic pregnancy rates.Result(s): In autologous cycles, the EP rate significantly increased as oocyte yield increased. This association was not found in oocyte recipients.Conclusion(s): In autologous IVF cycles, increasing oocyte yield is correlated with a significantly increased EP rate. This association is not found in oocyte recipients, indicating that the increased EP rate may be due to the supraphysiologic hormone levels achieved with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is clinically heterogeneous; intra and extrahepatic CCA have diverse clinical presentations. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology may identify the genetic differences between these entities and identify molecular subgroups for targeted therapeutics. Methods: We describe successful NGS-based testing of 75 CCA patients along with the prognostic and therapeutic implications of findings. Mutation profiling was performed using either a) NGS panel of hotspot regions in 46 cancer-related genes using a 318-chip on Ion PGM Sequencer or b) Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform for 3,769 exons of 236 cancer-related genes plus 47 introns from 19 genes to an average depth of 1000X. Clinical data was abstracted and correlated with clinical outcome. Patients with targetable mutations were referred to appropriate clinical trials. Results: There were significant differences between intrahepatic (n = 55) and extrahepatic CCA (n = 20) in regard to the nature and frequency of the genetic aberrations (GAs). IDH1 and DNA repair gene alterations occurred more frequently in intrahepatic CCA, while ERBB2 GAs occurred in the extrahepatic group. Commonly occurring GAs in intrahepatic CCA were TP53 (35%), KRAS (24%), ARID1A (20%), IDH1 (18%), MCL1 (16%) and PBRM1 (11%). Most frequent GAs in extrahepatic CCA (n = 20) were TP53 (45%), KRAS (40%), ERBB2 (25%), SMAD4 (25%), FBXW7 (15%) and CDKN2A (15%). In intrahepatic CCA, KRAS, TP53 or MAPK/mTOR GAs were significantly associated with a worse prognosis while FGFR GAs correlated with a relatively indolent disease course. IDH1 GAs did not have any prognostic significance. GAs in the chromatin modulating genes, BAP1 and PBRM1 were associated with bone metastases and worse survival in extrahepatic CCA. Radiologic responses and clinical benefit was noted with EGFR, FGFR, C-met, B-RAF and MEK inhibitors. Conclusion: There are significant genetic differences between intra and extrahepatic CCA. NGS can potentially identify disease subsets with distinct prognostic and therapeutic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the load-settlement response of a surface footing placed over buried flexible pipe through model plate load tests. Experiments are conducted in a rectangular box after placing a model footing on the surface of sand placed at two different relative densities. Combination of tests were performed, such as, (1) model footing placed over sand compacted at low relative density () and model buried flexible pipe (PVC pipe) placed at 0.5 B and 1.0 B depth, and (2) model footing placed over sand compacted at high relative density () and model buried flexible pipe (PVC pipe) placed at 0.5 B & 1.0 B depth; where B = diameter of the model footing. The results of the model plate load test provide useful interpretation about the combined behavior of buried flexible pipe-soil system in terms of load-settlement response. The influence on the bearing capacity of sand in different relative densities and that caused by the presence of a buried flexible pipe beneath the footing is also discussed. Experimental results are also verified numerically using the two-dimensional finite-element tool PLAXIS, and results are discussed in light of the experimental findings. Furthermore, a soil nailing technique is also explored experimentally and numerically to establish its usefulness in terms of improving the bearing capacity of the buried flexible pipe soil system in a given sand medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 5 years due to the changes in the environmental and human lifestyle, several neurodevelopmental disorders are shooting their existence. Out of all, autism prevalence percentage is significant when compared to other neurodevelopmental disorders. To diagnose autism spectrum disorder medical experts, need big medical data and lot of time. Early detection of autism at an early age helps in curing the disorder through medication. Certain machine learning models are developed to predict autism in high-dimensional datasets. Dimensionality reduction is applied to identify predominant features that effect autism. Feature extraction is done by Chi-square test. Feature subsets are extracted using, mutual information and lightgbm. Later, the performances of the machine learning algorithms are analysed to find out suitable classifier that predicts the autism spectrum disorder. Using feature subsets extraction methodologies, the numbers of features are reduced from 802 to 254 features; hence, the performance of Naïve Bayesian and K-nearest neighbour has improved. Decision tree classifier has performed the best in predicting autism spectrum disorder with a testing accuracy of 97.47% and model training time of 23.508 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvent extraction equilibrium of zinc with 2-ethylhexylphosphonicacid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (EHPNA) in an alkane diluent, ShellsolD70, was studied at a constant ionic strength of 1 mol/L from nitratesolutions considering the correction of the extractant nonidealityin the organic phase by Alstad’s method. On the basis of theslope analysis of the obtained data, a molar ratio of 1:2 for thezinc to the EHPNA dimer in the extracted complex was indicated. Apparentextraction equilibrium constants obtained at each temperature from283 to 323 K showed the endothermic nature of the extraction reactionand gave the apparent standard enthalpy and entropy changes. Thesetwo constants enable the calculation of the zinc distribution ratioat each temperature which correlates the experimental data with goodaccuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study that states the effects of mass transport in suspended waveguide biosensors that are integrated in microfluidic channels. It states that the study involves three simultaneous and coupled processes including the fluid flow, mass transport, and a first-order surface reaction governed by time-dependent partial differential equations. It also states that simulations are broken up into two stages including solution for fluid flow and coupled mass transport.

Abstract: Label-free optical biosensors based on integrated photonic devices have demonstrated sensitive and selective detection of biological analytes. Integrating these sensor platforms into microfluidic devices reduces the required sample volume and enables rapid delivery of sample to the sensor surface, thereby improving response times. Conventionally, these devices are embedded in or adjacent to the substrate; therefore, the effective sensing area lies within the slow-flow region at the floor of the channel, reducing the efficiency of sample delivery. Recently, a suspended waveguide sensor was developed in which the device is elevated off of the substrate and the sensing region does not rest on the substrate. This geometry places the sensing region in the middle of the parabolic velocity profile, reduces the distance that a particle must travel by diffusion to be detected, and allows binding to both surfaces of the sensor. We use a finite element model to simulate advection, diffusion, and specific binding of interleukin 6, a signaling protein, to this waveguide-based biosensor at a range of elevations within a microfluidic channel. We compare the transient performance of these suspended waveguide sensors with that of traditional planar devices, studying both the detection threshold response time and the time to reach equilibrium. We also develop a theoretical framework for predicting the behavior of these suspended sensors. These simulation and theoretical results provide a roadmap for improving sensor performance and minimizing the amount of sample required to make measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Santalum album Linn (Santalaceae), commonly known as Sandalwood is used traditionally for its antihyperlipidemic and diuretic activity. Objective: This study investigated the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect of long-term oral administration of the Santalum album pet ether fraction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 70 mg/kg body weight. Rats were treated with Santalum album pet ether fraction orally at a dose of 10 µg/kg body weight twice daily for 60 days. Metformin (30 mg/kg body weight) was used as positive control. Lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin were estimated. HPLC profiling of Santalum album pet ether fraction was carried out. Results and discussion: Treatment of diabetic rats for 60 days demonstrated reduction in blood glucose level by 140 mg/dl. Metformin treated group showed a decrease in blood glucose by 70 mg/dl, as against an increase in diabetic control group by 125 mg/dl. Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels were decreased by 22, 31 and 44%, respectively, in treated diabetic rats whereas, cardioprotective, high density lipoprotein (HDL) increased by 46%. In case of metformin, the values were 11, 29 and 15% respectively, while HDL increased by 7%. Significant improvement in atherogenic index from 267 to 139% was observed in treated rats. Conclusion: Santalum album pet ether fraction has potential antihyperlipidemic activity that can help in overcoming insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) shows significant activity across a wide spectrum of conditions, but its usefulness is rather limited because of its low bioavailability. Use of nanoparticle formulations to enhance curcumin bioavailability is an emerging area of research. Methodology/Principal Findings: In the present study, curcumin-loaded apotransferrin nanoparticles (nano-curcumin) prepared by sol-oil chemistry and were characterized by electron and atomic force microscopy. Confocal studies and fluorimetric analysis revealed that these particles enter T cells through transferrin-mediated endocytosis. Nano-curcumin releases significant quantities of drug gradually over a fairly long period, ∼50% of curcumin still remaining at 6 h of time. In contrast, intracellular soluble curcumin (sol-curcumin) reaches a maximum at 2 h followed by its complete elimination by 4 h. While sol-curcumin (GI50 = 15.6 &mgr;M) is twice more toxic than nano-curcumin (GI50 = 32.5 &mgr;M), nano-curcumin (IC50<1.75 &mgr;M) shows a higher anti-HIV activity compared to sol-curcumin (IC50 = 5.1 &mgr;M). Studies in vitro showed that nano-curcumin prominently inhibited the HIV-1 induced expression of Topo II &agr;, IL-1&bgr; and COX-2, an effect not seen with sol-curcumin. Nano-curcumin did not affect the expression of Topoisomerase II &bgr; and TNF &agr;. This point out that nanocurcumin affects the HIV-1 induced inflammatory responses through pathways downstream or independent of TNF a. Furthermore, nano-curcumin completely blocks the synthesis of viral cDNA in the gag region suggesting that the nanocurcumin mediated inhibition of HIV-1 replication is targeted to viral cDNA synthesis. Conclusion: Curcumin-loaded apotransferrin nanoparticles are highly efficacious inhibitors of HIV-1 replication in vitro and promise a high potential for clinical usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the clinical implications of lung developmental transcription factors (1TF-1, NKX2-8, and PAX9) that we recently discovered as cooperating oncogenes activated by way of gene amplification at chromosome 14q13 in lung cancer. Using stable transfectants of human bronchial epithelial cells, RNA expression profiles (signatures) representing activation of the biological pathways defined by each of the 3 genes were determined and used to risk stratify a non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) clinical data set consisting of 91 early stage tumors. Coactivation of the TTF-1 and NKX2-8 pathways identified a cluster of patients with poor survival, representing ≈20% of patients with early stage NSCLC, whereas activation of individual pathways did not reveal significant prognostic power. Importantly, the poor prognosis associated with coactivation of ITF-1 and NKX2-8 was validated in 2 other independent clinical data sets. Furthermore, lung cancer cell lines showing coactivation of the TTF-1 and NKX2-8 pathways were shown to exhibit resistance to cisplatin, the standard of care for the treatment of NSCLC. This suggests that the cohort of patients with coactivation of TTF-1 and NKX2-8 pathways appears to be resistant to standard cisplatin therapy, suggesting the need for alternative therapies in this cohort of high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene expression profiles provide an opportunity to dissect the heterogeneity of solid tumors,' including colon cancer, to improve prognosis and predict response to therapies. Bayesian binary regression methods were used to generate a signature of disease recurrence in patients with resected early stage colon cancer validated in an independent cohort. A 50-gene signature was developed that effectively distinguished early stage colon cancer patients with a low or high risk of disease recurrence. RT-PCR analysis of the 50-gene signature validated 9 of the top 10 differentially expressed genes. When applied to two independent validation cohorts of 55 and 73 patients, the 50-gene model accurately predicted recurrence. Standard Kaplan-Meier survival analysis confirmed the prognostic accuracy (P < 0.01, log rank), as did multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. We tested potential targeted therapeutic options for patients at high risk for disease recurrence and found a clinically important relationship between sensitivity to celecoxib, LY-294002 (Pl3kinase inhibitor), retinol, and sulindac in colon cancer cell lines expressing the poor prognostic phenotype (P < 0.01, t test),'which performed better than standard chemotherapy (5-FU and oxaliplatin). We present a genomic strategy in early stage colon cancer to identify patients at highest risk of recurrence. An ability to move beyond current staging by refining the estimation of prognosis in early stage colon cancer also has implications for individualized therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recovery of Au(III) in hydrochloric acid using grape waste was studied. The adsorption gel prepared from grape waste was found to highly selectively adsorb Au(III) showing negligible affinity for other precious metals and some base metal ions tested so far. The adsorption isotherm study exhibited the maximum loading capacity of the gel as high as 9.6mol or 1.9kg gold per kg dry weight of gel. XRD analysis and the digital micrograph of the gel taken after adsorption revealed the formation of gold particles during adsorption process which is associated with the high selectivity and high capacity of the gel for Au(III). Kinetic and electrochemical study was conducted at various temperatures to confirm an endothermic adsorption process following pseudo-first order kinetics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: A major challenge in oncology is the selection of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents for individual patients, while the administration of ineffective chemotherapy increases mortality and decreases quality of life in cancer patients. This emphasizes the need to evaluate every patient's probability of responding to each chemotherapeutic agent and limiting the agents used to those most likely to be effective. Methods and Results: Using gene expression data on the NCI-60 and corresponding drug sensitivity, mRNA and microRNA profiles were developed representing sensitivity to individual chemotherapeutic agents. The mRNA signatures were tested in an independent cohort of 133 breast cancer patients treated with the TFAC (paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy regimen. To further dissect the biology of resistance, we applied signatures of oncogenic pathway activation and performed hierarchical clustering. We then used mRNA signatures of chemotherapy sensitivity to identify alternative therapeutics for patients resistant to TFAC. Profiles from mRNA and microRNA expression data represent distinct biologic mechanisms of resistance to common cytotoxic agents. The individual mRNA signatures were validated in an independent dataset of breast tumors (P = 0.002, NPV = 82%). When the accuracy of the signatures was analyzed based on molecular variables, the predictive ability was found to be greater in basal-like than non basal-like patients (P = 0.03 and P = 0.06). Samples from patients with co-activated Myc and E2F represented the cohort with the lowest percentage (8%) of responders. Using mRNA signatures of sensitivity to other cytotoxic agents, we predict that TFAC non-responders are more likely to be sensitive to docetaxel (P = 0.04), representing a viable alternative therapy. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the optimal strategy for chemotherapy sensitivity prediction integrates molecular variables such as ER and HER2 status with corresponding microRNA and mRNA expression profiles. Importantly, we also present evidence to support the concept that analysis of molecular variables can present a rational strategy to identifying alternative therapeutic opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a study of whether breast cancer prognosis can be refined through combining genomic information with clinical and pathological risk factors. The article describes the retroactive study of early-stage breast carcinoma patients and the predictors that were applied to characterize relevant information. The study concluded that gene expression signatures can be used for refining prognosis, but that more studies will be needed to determine their value for individualizing therapeutic strategies. The article also discusses the prognosis of cancer in general, the effect of genomic technology on clinical decisions, and the role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer treatment.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that overlapping genes are much more common in eukaryotic genomes than previously thought. In this study we identified and characterized the overlapping genes in a set of 13,484 pairs of human-mouse orthologous genes. Results: About 10% of the genes under study are overlapping genes, the majority of which are different-strand overlaps. The majority of the same-strand overlaps are embedded forms, whereas most different-strand overlaps are not embedded and in the convergent transcription orientation. Most of the same-strand overlapping gene pairs show at least a tenfold difference in length, much larger than the length difference between non-overlapping neighboring gene pairs. The length difference between the two different-strand overlapping genes is less dramatic. Over 27% of the different-strand-overlap relationships are shared between human and mouse, compared to only ~8% conservation for same-strand-overlap relationships. More than 96% of the same-strand and different-strand overlaps that are not shared between human and mouse have both genes located on the same chromosomes in the species that does not show the overlap. We examined the causes of transition between the overlapping and non-overlapping states in the two species and found that 3' UTR change plays an important role in the transition. Conclusion: Our study contributes to the understanding of the evolutionary transition between overlapping genes and non-overlapping genes and demonstrates the high rates of evolutionary changes in the un-translated regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To define the biology driving the aggressive nature of breast cancer arising in young women. Experimental Design. Among 784 patients with early stage breast cancer, using prospectively-defined, age-specific cohorts (young ≤45 years; older ≥65 years), 411 eligible patients (n = 200≤45 years; n = 211≥65 years) with clinically-annotated Affymetrix microarray data were identified. GSEA, signatures of oncogenic pathway deregulation and predictors of chemotherapy sensitivity were evaluated within the two age-defined cohorts. Results. In comparing deregulation of oncogenic pathways between age groups, a higher probability of PI3K (p = 0.006) and Myc (p = 0.03) pathway deregulation was observed in breast tumors arising in younger women. When evaluating unique patterns of pathway deregulation, a low probability of Src and E2F deregulation in tumors of younger women, concurrent with a higher probability of PI3K, Myc, and β-catenin, conferred a worse prognosis (HR = 4.15). In contrast, a higher probability of Src and E2F pathway activation in tumors of older women, with concurrent low probability of PI3K, Myc and β-catenin deregulation, was associated with poorer outcome (HR = 2.7). In multivariate analyses, genomic clusters of pathway deregulation illustrate prognostic value. Conclusion. Results demonstrate that breast cancer arising in young women represents a distinct biologic entity characterized by unique patterns of deregulated signaling pathways that are prognostic, independent of currently available clinico-pathologic variables. These results should enable refinement of targeted treatment strategies in this clinically challenging situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Preoperative identification of tumour type could have important implications for the choice of treatment for renal cancers. Antibody cG250 reacts against carbonic anhydrase-IX, which is over-expressed in clear-cell renal carcinomas. We aimed to assess whether iodine-124-labelled antibody chimeric G250 (124I-cG250) PET predicts clear-cell renal carcinoma, the most common and aggressive renal tumour. Methods: 26 patients with renal masses who were scheduled to undergo surgical resection by laparotomy received a single intravenous infusion of 185 MBq/10 mg of 124I-cG250 over 20 min in this open-label pilot study. Surgery was scheduled 1 week after 124I-cG250 infusion. PET and CT scanning of the abdomen, including the kidneys, within 3 h before surgery was planned for all patients. The obtained images were graded as positive (defined as a tumour-to-healthy-kidney ratio >3 to 1) or negative for antibody uptake, and the surgeon was informed of the scan results before surgery. After surgery, resected tumours were histopathologically classified as clear-cell renal carcinoma or otherwise. The trial is registered on the clinical trials site of the National Cancer Institute website http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00199888. Findings: One patient received inactive antibody and was excluded from analysis. 15 of 16 clear-cell carcinomas were identified accurately by antibody PET, and all nine non-clear-cell renal masses were negative for the tracer. The sensitivity of 124I-cG250 PET for clear-cell kidney carcinoma in this trial was 94% (95% CI 70–100%); the negative predictive value was 90% (55–100%), and specificity and positive predictive accuracy were both 100% (66–100% and 78–100%, respectively). Interpretation: PET with 124I-cG250 can identify accurately clear-cell renal carcinoma; a negative scan is highly predictive of a less aggressive phenotype. Stratification of patients with renal masses by 124I-cG250 PET can identify aggressive tumours and help decide treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Stethorini are specialized mite predators in the family Coccinellidae, which are small with black body and brown or yellow colored appendages. This study aimed to survey species of Stethorini associated with phytophagous mites of South India and their prey range. Results: Eight species of Stethorini, viz., Parastethorus sp. Stethorus (Allostethorus) forficatus, S. (A.) pauperculus, S. (A.) tetranychi, S. (A.) sp., S. keralicus, S. (S.) rani and S. (S.) sp., each associated with distinct species of mite were identified in this study and part of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences of seven of these species are provided. Barcode gap analysis and distance summary analysis in the BOLD system as well as phylogenetic analysis of these seven species were given. Conclusions: This study revealed the species of Stethorini in South India along with their prey range and associated plants. As all the species look similar with black body and yellow appendages, DNA barcodes generated can be used as an effective bio-identification tool for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CFD simulations have been carried out on honeycomb shaped orifice plates. • Effect of geometrical parameters on pressure drop and cavitation have been studied. • Threshold flow velocities to avoid cavitation have been identified. • Reduction in flow area increases the cavitation possibility. • Increase in plate spacing between two consecutive plates, allows flow uniformity. Flow zoning devices in nuclear power plants are used to achieve desired pressure drop and flow rates. Cavitation in these devices may cause erosion, flow chocking, noise, vibration, resulting in severe damage. Optimization of flow conditions, geometrical parameters, and prediction of the hydrodynamics of the flow field are necessary to avoid cavitation in these devices. In the present study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations have been carried out to model flow through honeycomb shaped orifices. The effect of various geometrical parameters such as flow area, the spacing between plates, number of plates, orientation between plates (inline or offset) on pressure drop, and cavitation characteristics has been studied. The multiphase mixture model (water-liquid and water vapor), in conjunction with the Schnerr and Sauer cavitation model, is used to model the flow through orifice plates. Axial distribution profiles and contours of vapor fraction and pressure coefficient have been plotted to analyze the cavitation characteristics for different plate configurations and to get a better understanding of the flow field. Lowest pressure values are observed at the orifice throat and near plate exit. Threshold flow velocities above which flow is subjected to cavitation have been identified for different geometrical configurations. An increase in the number of plates reduces the probability of cavitation. Reduction in the flow area of the orifice plate increases the cavitation potential and pressure drop. However, an increase in plate spacing enhances the pressure recovery and reduces non-uniformities in the flow field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Prediction of autism spectrum disorder from high-dimensional data using machine learning techniques" has been retracted by the publisher due to concerns about compromised editorial handling and peer review processes, inappropriate references, and being out of scope for the journal. The retraction was based on an investigation that found several issues with the article, leading the publisher to lose confidence in its results and conclusions. The authors of the article disagree with the retraction. [Extracted from the article]

Electron‐transferring flavoproteins (ETFs) have been found in all kingdoms of life, mostly assisting in shuttling electrons to the respiratory chain for ATP production. While the human (h) ETF has been studied in great detail, very little is known about the biochemical properties of the homologous protein in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yETF). In view of the absence of client dehydrogenases, for example, the acyl‐CoA dehydrogenases involved in the β‐oxidation of fatty acids, d‐lactate dehydrogenase 2 (Dld2) appeared to be the only relevant enzyme that is serviced by yETF for electron transfer to the mitochondrial electron transport chain. However, this hypothesis was never tested experimentally. Here, we report the biochemical properties of yETF and Dld2 as well as the electron transfer reaction between the two proteins. Our study revealed that Dld2 oxidizes d‐α‐hydroxyglutarate more efficiently than d‐lactate exhibiting kcatapp/KMapp values of 1200 ± 300 m−1·s−1 and 11 ± 2 m−1·s−1, respectively. As expected, substrate‐reduced Dld2 very slowly reacted with oxygen or the artificial electron acceptor 2,6‐dichlorophenol indophenol. However, photoreduced Dld2 was rapidly reoxidized by oxygen, suggesting that the reaction products, that is, α‐ketoglutarate and pyruvate, 'lock' the reduced enzyme in an unreactive state. Interestingly, however, we could demonstrate that substrate‐reduced Dld2 rapidly transfers electrons to yETF. Therefore, we conclude that the formation of a product‐reduced Dld2 complex suppresses electron transfer to dioxygen but favors the rapid reduction in yETF, thus preventing the loss of electrons and the generation of reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Surgical treatment of sternal metastases from thyroid carcinoma: Report of two cases" by A. Mishra, S.K. Mishra, A. Agarwal, G. Agarwal and S.K. Agarwal published in a 2001 issue of the journal "Surgery Today."

Understanding how nanoparticles (NPs) diffuse, stick, and assemble into larger structures within polymers is key to the design and fabrication of NP-polymer composites. Here we describe an approach for inferring the dynamic parameters of NP assembly from spatially and temporally disjointed images of composites. The approach involves iterative adjustment of the parameters of a kinetic model of assembly until the computed size statistics of NP clusters match those obtained from high-throughput analysis of the experimental images. Application of this approach to the assembly of shaped, metal NPs in polymer films suggests that NP structures grow via a cluster-cluster aggregation mechanism, where NPs and their clusters diffuse with approximately Stokes-Einstein diffusivity and stick to other NPs or clusters with a probability that depends strongly on the size and shape of the NPs and the molecular weight of the polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to characterize beta-lactam resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from healthy and diarrhoeic dogs. A total of 93 E. coli were isolated from the rectal swabs of 136 dogs (60/92 of healthy dogs and 33/44 of diarrhoeic dogs). Predominant serotypes detected include rough (19 isolates), O141 (5), O9 (2), O126 (2), O128 (2), O15, O20, O35, O49, O63, O85, O101, O116, O117, O118, O119 (1 isolate each) and the rest of 52 isolates were untypable (UT). Disc diffusion method revealed resistance to cefotaxime (41.9%), ceftriaxone (34.4%), ceftazidime (30.1%) and aztreonam (18.2%). Overall frequency of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype was found to be 29% (27/93). Beta-lactamase genes detected include blaAmpC (86.0%), blaSHV (30.1%), blaCTX-M group-1 (19.3%), blaTEM (17.2%), blaOXA (13.9%) and blaCTX-M group-2 (7.5%). The study revealed resistance to commonly prescribed beta-lactams, with ESBL phenotype in E. coli of canine origin in Andhra Pradesh, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at the detection of suitable Lactobacillus species from dogs for usage as probiotic. A total of 67 rectal swabs from healthy pups were analyzed and 49 (73.1%) Lactobacillus isolates were identified based on morphological, biochemical characteristics and confirmed by genus specific PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene. A total of 20 isolates that showed strong aggregation, high cell surface hydrophobicity, acid and bile tolerance were screened for in-vitro antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion assay, where prominent inhibitory zones were observed against majority of the test pathogens. Reduction in antibacterial activity was noticed after neutralization, proteinase K and heat treatment of supernatants. Partial 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence analysis of seven Lactobacillus isolates that showed prominent in-vitro antibacterial activity revealed maximum sequence homology with Lactobacillus fermentum (for six isolates) and Lactobacillus agilis (for one isolate). The in-vitro antibacterial activity results highlighted the need for in-vivo studies in India to establish probiotic potential of canine faecal Lactobacillus species in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiocrine factors, such as Notch ligands, supplied by the specialized endothelial cells (ECs) within the bone marrow and splenic vascular niche play an essential role in modulating the physiology of adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, the relative contribution of various Notch ligands, specifically jagged-2, to the homeostasis of HSPCs is unknown. Here, we show that under steady state, jagged-2 is differentially expressed in tissue-specific vascular beds, but its expression is induced in hematopoietic vascular niches after myelosuppressive injury. We used mice with EC-specific deletion of the gene encoding jagged-2 (Jag2) to demonstrate that while EC-derived jagged-2 was dispensable for maintaining the capacity of HSPCs to repopulate under steady-state conditions, by activating Notch2 it did contribute to the recovery of HSPCs in response to myelosuppressive conditions. Engraftment and/or expansion of HSPCs was dependent on the expression of endothelial-derived jagged-2 following myeloablation. Additionally, jagged-2 expressed in bone marrow ECs regulated HSPC cell cycle and quiescence during regeneration. Endothelial-deployed jagged-2 triggered Notch2/Hey1, while tempering Notch2/Hes1 signaling in HSPCs. Collectively, these data demonstrate that EC-derived jagged-2 activates Notch2 signaling in HSPCs to promote hematopoietic recovery and has potential as a therapeutic target to accelerate balanced hematopoietic reconstitution after myelosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scincid genus Eurylepis was split off from the cosmopolitan genus Eumeces sensu lato, with Eurylepis taeniolatus being the type species, which is taxonomically poorly understood. The other nominate species in this genus is Eurylepis poonaensis, which was known only from its type locality and original description, and is the only known member of the subfamily Scincinae from near the Western Ghats. However, earlier studies raised doubts about its specific validity, often without examining type or other specimens. We collected fresh samples of this species from the type locality and nearby areas. Based on the examination of the holotype and the new material, we provide a detailed redescription of E. poonaensis, additional data on its skeletal structure, habitat, and natural history. We also provide a detailed redescription of E. taeniolatus based on the holotype to avoid further taxonomic ambiguity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to characterize beta-lactamase antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella and Enterobacter species isolated from healthy and diarrheic dogs in Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 136 rectal swabs were collected from healthy (92) and diarrheic (44) dogs, bacteriological cultured for Klebsiella and Enterobacter growth and screened for beta-lactamase antimicrobial resistance phenotypically by disc diffusion method and genotypically by polymerase chain reaction targeting blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCTX-M Group 1, 2, blaAmpC, blaACC and blaMOX genes. Results: A total of 33 Klebsiella and 29 Enterobacter isolates were recovered. Phenotypic beta-lactamase resistance was detected in 66.6% and 25% of Klebsiella and Enterobacter isolates, respectively, from healthy dogs and 66.6% and 60% of Klebsiella and Enterobacter isolates, respectively, from diarrheic dogs. Overall, incidence of extended-spectrum betalactamase (ESBL) phenotype was found to be 21.2% (7/33) in Klebsiella isolates, whereas none of the Enterobacter isolates exhibited ESBL phenotype. Predominant beta-lactamase genes detected in Klebsiella species include blaSHV (84.8%), followed by blaTEM (33.3%), blaCTX-M Group 1 (15.1%) and blaOXA (6.1%) gene. Predominant beta-lactamase genes detected in Enterobacter species include blaSHV (48.2%), followed by blaTEM (24.1%), blaAmpC (13.7%) and blaOXA (10.3%) gene. Conclusion: The present study highlighted alarming beta-lactamase resistance in Klebsiella and Enterobacter species of canine origin in India with due emphasis as indicators of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Gene Expression Signatures, Clinicopathological Features, and Individualized Therapy in Breast Cancer," by CR Acharya and colleagues in the April 2, 2008 issue.

Chaitanya R. Acharya and Anil Potti respond to a letter to the editor about their article "Gene Expression Signatures, Clinicopathological Features and Individualized Therapy in Breast Cancer" in a previous issue.

Bacterial luciferase catalyzes the monooxygenation of long-chain aldehydes such as tetradecanal to the corresponding acid accompanied by light emission with a maximum at 490 nm. In this study even numbered aldehydes with eight, ten, twelve and fourteen carbon atoms were compared with analogs having a double bond at the α,β-position. These α,β-unsaturated aldehydes were synthesized in three steps and were examined as potential substrates in vitro . The luciferase of Photobacterium leiognathi was found to convert these analogs and showed a reduced but significant bioluminescence activity compared to tetradecanal. This study showed the trend that aldehydes, both saturated and unsaturated, with longer chain lengths had higher activity in terms of bioluminescence than shorter chain lengths. The maximal light intensity of ( E )-tetradec-2-enal was approximately half with luciferase of P. leiognathi , compared to tetradecanal. Luciferases of Vibrio harveyi and Aliivibrio fisheri accepted these newly synthesized substrates but light emission dropped drastically compared to saturated aldehydes. The onset and the decay rate of bioluminescence were much slower, when using unsaturated substrates, indicating a kinetic effect. As a result the duration of the light emission is doubled. These results suggest that the substrate scope of bacterial luciferases is broader than previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]